Balamuthia mandrillaris Encephalitis: Slow but Lethal March Towards the Brain.

Balamuthia mandrillaris causes granulomatous amebic encephalitis. It is puzzling that unlike many blood-borne pathogens that can invade the central nervous system within hours, B. mandrillaris typically takes weeks to months before culminating in encephalitis. Here, we discuss basis of Balamuthia 's slow pathogenesis with an eye for improving early recognition, therapeutic interventions and identifying novel targets for intervention.